Local Guide: A curated list of my family's favorite casual dining along the Emerald Coast

Located right on the state line sits the famous Flora-Bama. Across the street, you'll find the Ole River Grill. We love this family-friendly spot because it sits right on the waterway, their large open-air deck offers a nice view, and the menu is prepared with fresh local ingredients. 

Hub Stacey's at the Point is a repeat stop for us when we're in the Perdido area. They offer a variety of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches all served up in a laid-back atmosphere. Find a full bar, happy hour, live music, and an extra-large outdoor seating area overlooking the inland waterway. We love to stop here for a late lunch and then walk to Innerarity Point Park to let the kids play or simply relax and enjoy the views. There's also a location in Downtown Pensacola.

A New Orleans original right here in Northwest Florida, Juan's Flying Burrito is a lively Creole Taqueria located in Downtown Pensacola. Their menu combines the freshest local seafood and produce with classic taqueria staples.  Be sure to grab a seat on their patio on a nice day.

Lucy's is located in the heart of Downtown Pensacola in Seville Square. From savory flatbreads and shareables to seasonal sangria and local brews, Lucy's inviting patio is the perfect spot for a leisurely break. Their walk-up window bar is ideal for grabbing a quick beverage during one of the many nearby festivals and their patio is pet friendly, so you can bring your fur babies along.

Breakfast and brunch are served all day at this popular local spot. Newly expanded, colorful, and welcoming, Native Cafe boasts a menu filled with your favorite breakfast items like pancakes and stuffed French toast, as well as lunch delights such as Florida Fish Tacos and the Native Quesadillas.  Come with an empty stomach and a big appetite because the pancakes are as big as the plate.

Papa's Pizza is one of our favorite places to grab lunch or dinner downtown. This spot is a frequent stop for us, and I will always recommend them. Their pizzas, salads, calzones, and pasta dishes are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Find them on Garden Street or visit their original location at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.

Red Fish Blue Fish sits near the boardwalk and Casino Beach areas of Pensacola Beach. This colorful eatery overlooks the Santa Rosa Sound, providing incredible views. They often have live entertainment and we love the atmosphere. 

At the end of the causeway near the pier sits a hopping spot known as Andy D's. This beachside casual restaurant has a fun atmosphere. Their huge outdoor seating deck makes this the perfect stop for a quick lunch during your beach day or grab dinner and drinks as the sun goes down.

Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant is a true original among Emerald Coast restaurants. Their newest location in Navarre offers stunning views of the Santa Rosa Sound. You can enjoy your meal on their screened back porch or opt for a table on the sandy beach. Be sure to try the blackened grilled gulf shrimp plate.

Their website states that they have "good food, cooked fresh," and they absolutely live up to that claim time after time. Johnny Huston's Grille and Bar is located on Highway 98 in Navarre and serves lunch and dinner hot and fresh seven days a week. Our favorites here include the sauced chicken bites, fried pickles, and burgers. Don't skip the mac & cheese.

She's an icon - a Navarre Beach staple since 1989. You know the spot as soon as you come across the causeway. Their prime waterfront location is supreme, making it the perfect place to spend an entire day. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Sailors' Grille and then grab a spot on the beach and stay for drinks, live music, volleyball, and those stunning views.

Overflow Acai + Coffee Co. works just as well for a quick coffee run as it does for a post-beach refresh. Their menu features fresh, customizable açaí bowls and thoughtfully crafted coffee drinks. They have two locations, one on Navarre Beach inside Andy D's and their main spot on Highway 98. 

You don't need to leave our little coastal town to find good food and great pizza is no different. Located on Highway 98 in Harvest Village, New York Pizza District always hits the spot. You can dine in or grab it to go Monday thru Saturday for lunch and dinner.

There's a reason they made Yelp's list of top seafood restaurants in the United States. Conveniently located on Hwy 87 near Navarre Beach, this spot has become a go-to for both locals and visitors. My standing order is the fried shrimp platter, but my kids swear that the chicken tenders here are among the best. And don't forget to try the fried okra.

Good food, big burritos, and beautiful views. Locals know. They offer fresh made-to-order breakfast burritos that are packed with the good stuff. Located next to Navarre Family Watersports, this hidden gem is currently open daily (weather permitting). Be sure to check their social media pages for the latest updates. 

TC's Front Porch is nestled inside an old service station. The service is consistently good and dare I say that they might have the best biscuits I've ever had?  This is one of my favorite breakfast stops but a solid pick for lunch or dinner as well. 

Windjammers serves up delicious seafood, sandwiches, and more. This family-friendly open-air restaurant overlooks the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier and provides some of the most stunning views of Navarre Beach. Hours vary with the season, so be sure to check their website and social media pages for the latest updates.

 This laid-back, family-friendly dining spot overlooks Cinco Bayou, and the kids will love feeding the fish from the dock. Gather your crew and experience their Sunday brunch, featuring bottomless mimosas that pair nicely with the water view.

Choose your dish, select your protein, and then decide on your style! Burrito Del Sol offers fresh Baja-style Mexican food infused with Florida flair. Their salsas, guacamole, sauces, and seasonings are all made in-house, and they feature unique daily specials. Find them in Downtown Fort Walton Beach and Destin. 

Experience a unique dining adventure at Sea Oats Kitchen + Bar, nestled within The Island Resort in Fort Walton Beach.  They offer a fresh take on Gulf Coast dining with southern-inspired favorites and an impressive craft cocktail menu. We enjoyed everything we sampled, but the Peach and Jalapeno Hushpuppies are calling us back. 

Graffiti Pizza offers a fun, colorful take on New York–style pizza. Their dough is made from scratch, and you can order everything from an individual slice to a massive 20-inch pie, complete with plenty of creative toppings and combinations to choose from. In addition to pizza, they also offer salads, wings, garlic bread, grinders, strombolis, and even gluten-friendly pizza options. Be sure to add this one to your list of must-try local food spots.

This laid-back restaurant has been a beloved Destin tradition since 1979. Each menu item is crafted from scratch, featuring only the freshest local Gulf-to-Table seafood. We love dining with a view of the Destin Harbor. Be sure to try the fried green tomatoes, house-smoked yellowfin tuna dip, or their famous sushi rolls.

Lulu's  is a fun waterfront spot on Choctawhatchee Bay where the atmosphere is just as much a part of the experience as the food. Known for fresh coastal favorites, burgers, seafood, tropical drinks, live music, and plenty of family-friendly fun, Lulu's is a great place to enjoy a casual meal with a little Florida flair.  

Papa Surf is known for their mouthwatering burgers and welcoming atmosphere. You can choose to dine inside, enjoy the front porch, or head out back to The Magnolia Bar for good times and great tunes. This family-friendly restaurant offers a delicious menu that appeals to everyone. I suggest trying The Southern Burger, which pairs perfectly with an ice-cold 30A Beach Blonde.

Always ready to 'roll you a fat one', their Mexican-inspired menu items are freshly prepared and made to order. They also have an extensive margarita and craft cocktail menu. We happened upon this restaurant on a whim, but I would absolutely return. I recommend the Baja Grilled Shrimp Tacos and the Diablo Margarita with jalapenos.

The Back Porch has been a Gulf Coast staple for over 40 years. Their newest location in Panama City Beach, situated right in Pier Park, offers incredible sunset views from their outdoor dining patio. The menu is filled with variety and features the freshest Gulf seafood.  Be sure to try the grilled Amberjack sandwich - it's their specialty.